Water Resources and International Waters Expert

Organizational Context

The FAO Subregional Office for Mesoamerica (SLM) is enhancing its water resources management program to support sustainable food production. This includes managing a growing portfolio of projects funded by major climate funds like the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). A key project, 'Cuenca al Mar (CAM)', financed by GEF and executed by CCAD, aims to improve environmental sustainability and climate resilience in Mesoamerica's large marine ecosystems through an integrated ridge-to-reef approach.

Job Purpose

The expert will provide essential technical support for the successful implementation and operationalization of the GEF Cuenca al Mar (CAM) project over its five-year duration. This involves close collaboration with the executing agency, CCAD, to ensure smooth project execution. Key responsibilities include providing technical backstopping, overseeing project activities, fostering strong professional relationships with all partners, and assisting the Land and Water Officer and the CAM team with all necessary aspects to achieve project objectives and ensure its overall success.

Responsibilities

Provide technical support for the GEF Cuenca al Mar (CAM) project, including operational planning, coordination with CCAD and national entities, and project execution oversight. Conduct thorough technical reviews of project documents, disbursement requests, and progress reports, ensuring alignment with project goals and FAO/GEF standards. Support all phases of the project cycle, including participation in workshops, providing field technical assistance, guiding national entities, and reviewing monitoring instruments like PIRs and evaluations. Contribute to expanding the GEF International Waters portfolio in Mesoamerica by assisting in the preparation of project concepts and documents. Offer technical input for designing projects on transboundary water governance, including groundwater, source-to-sea, and basin management. Facilitate technical coordination with national and regional partners for transboundary water initiatives. Support knowledge exchange and regional learning for International Waters projects. Provide technical advice on water resources management for sustainable agriculture, covering governance, allocation, drought, and water productivity. Assist in identifying and formulating new water-related initiatives and partnerships. Contribute to analytical work and policy dialogue on water resources management issues. Ensure technical quality assurance of project reports and products. Support the organization of regional dialogues and workshops. Undertake missions as required for project implementation and stakeholder consultations. Assist in the recruitment of affiliate workforce and contribute to the Field Programme model.

Work Experience

Minimum of five years of relevant experience in water resources management, water governance, or development project implementation, preferably in climate change or natural resources management. Experience with international projects and coordination with multiple institutional actors is valued.

Skills

Experience with GEF-funded projects or other climate funds, including familiarity with reporting instruments (PIF, PIR, evaluations). Knowledge of transboundary water governance, shared basin management, and source-to-sea approaches. Proven experience in formulating and designing international cooperation projects. Strong inter-institutional technical coordination skills with governments and regional bodies. Understanding of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and its application in sustainable agrifood systems. Experience in drought management and climate resilience in agriculture. Proficiency in technical review and quality control of project documents. Familiarity with project planning and monitoring tools. Experience in organizing and facilitating technical workshops and policy dialogues. Familiarity with IT tools such as Excel and GIS is desirable.

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